2 Corinthians 10:12 kjv
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:12 nkjv
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:12 niv
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:12 esv
Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
2 Corinthians 10:12 nlt
Oh, don't worry; we wouldn't dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!
2 Corinthians 10 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 10:18 | "For it is not the one who commends himself that is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." | God's ultimate approval is the true measure, not self-praise. |
| Rom 2:18 | "and recognize his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law;" | True approval comes from aligning with God's will as taught by scripture. |
| 1 Sam 16:7 | "But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”" | God's perspective differs from human judgment; He sees the heart, not outward qualifications. |
| Gal 6:4 | "Let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor." | Individuals should examine their own actions and find their reason for boasting in their own genuine accomplishments before God. |
| Phil 2:3 | "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." | Humility involves valuing others above oneself, directly contrasting with comparative self-exaltation. |
| Prov 26:12 | "as arrogant words, who can forgive their slander; so they are worthless and deserving of death. " | Certain prideful or slanderous speech is inherently worthless and incurs divine disfavor. |
| Prov 16:18 | "Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." | Prideful comparisons and self-commendation often lead to downfall. |
| Rom 12:3 | "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly—as God has assigned to each a measure of faith." | Self-assessment should be done soberly, in humility, and in recognition of God's grace. |
| 1 Cor 1:31 | "that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'" | True boasting should be directed towards the Lord and His accomplishments. |
| Eph 2:10 | "For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." | Our true value and purpose are found in being God's creation, destined for His good works. |
| Col 1:10 | "so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" | Conduct should be pleasing to the Lord and characterized by good works and spiritual growth. |
| Gal 5:26 | "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envious of one another." | Conceit leads to envy and strife, which are detrimental to Christian fellowship. |
| Prov 27:2 | "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips." | External validation from others, particularly those who are not directly involved, is preferred over self-praise. |
| Titus 3:2 | "to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect gentleness toward all people." | Christian conduct involves avoiding negative speech, quarrels, and showing gentleness. |
| Heb 4:12 | "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." | God's word is the ultimate discerner of hearts and true motives. |
| Luke 18:14 | "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”" | Jesus' parable illustrates that humility is rewarded by God, while self-exaltation leads to downfall. |
| Ps 139:23-24 | "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me, and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" | A sincere desire for God to examine and correct our inner selves is key to true spiritual assessment. |
| Jer 17:9 | "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick: who can understand it?" | The human heart is prone to self-deception, making self-assessment without God's guidance unreliable. |
| 1 Cor 4:5 | "Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes. He will bring to light the things hidden in darkness and will disclose the motives of hearts. Then each will receive his commendation from God." | Ultimate judgment and recognition belong to God, who reveals hidden things. |
| 2 Cor 5:10 | "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." | All believers will stand before Christ for evaluation of their earthly deeds. |
2 Corinthians 10 verses
2 Corinthians 10 12 Meaning
This verse emphasizes that comparing oneself to others within a limited, human framework is a faulty and imprudent practice. It highlights that such comparisons lack wisdom because they are self-serving and not aligned with divine standards or self-assessment before God. It's a caution against the pride and distortion that arises from self-commendation based on external benchmarks, rather than on true character and service to God.
2 Corinthians 10 12 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 10 is Paul's defense of his apostleship against critics in Corinth who questioned his authority and legitimacy. These opponents were likely Judaizers who emphasized adherence to the Law and presented themselves as superior. Paul uses a more humble, Christ-like approach, contrasting it with the boasting and aggression of his detractors. Verse 12 directly addresses this situation, condemning the Corinthians for allowing themselves to be measured and evaluated by these comparative standards rather than by God's own assessment. The broader context of chapter 10 reveals Paul’s strategy of gentle persuasion and divine authority, in contrast to worldly power and arrogance.
2 Corinthians 10 12 Word analysis
- Andei gar: "But we will not venture..." or "But we will not dare...". Indicates a deliberate refusal to participate in a certain action or practice.
- hēmeis: "we" (emphatic pronoun). Refers to Paul and his companions, distinguishing them from those who engage in boasting.
- para: "among", "beside", "with". Denotes a comparison or being placed alongside something else.
- to touto: "this" (neuter demonstrative pronoun). Refers back to the concept or practice being discussed – that of measuring oneself by others or against oneself.
- tautous: "these same" or "those". Refers to the persons who are engaged in such measuring and comparing.
- metraōmenous: "measuring" or "reckoning". The present passive participle of metreo, implying an ongoing action of evaluation or standard-setting.
- auta: "them" or "themselves" (neuter accusative plural of autos). The accusative object of metraomenous, referring to the criteria or standards used for measuring.
- apestr_afomena: "comparing", "contrasting", "referring back". The present passive participle of apostrepho. This implies relating oneself to or referencing others as a benchmark for evaluation.
- nous: "mind", "understanding", "discernment". Refers to the faculty of judgment or intellectual capacity.
words-group by words-group analysis
- "But we will not venture to place ourselves among or measure ourselves with some who are commending themselves.": This entire phrase conveys a strong refusal by Paul to engage in the superficial, self-aggrandizing comparisons that others were employing. The implication is that their own measuring sticks were faulty and derived from a place of pride, not divine authority or true worth.
- "but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves to themselves": This reiterates the criticism. The lack of an external, godly standard is evident. Their evaluations were circular, based solely on their own limited perspectives and self-generated metrics. It highlights their pride and their detachment from divine accountability.
2 Corinthians 10 12 Bonus section
The sentiment of this verse resonates with the idea that prideful comparison is a form of foolishness in God's eyes. It mirrors the caution against evaluating oneself based on worldly metrics or reputation, which are transient and unreliable. The "mind" (nous) mentioned here is critical; a corrupt or worldly mind will always produce flawed comparisons, leading away from godly wisdom. Paul’s strategy in 2 Corinthians 10 is consistently to highlight the power and authority derived not from fleshly qualifications or comparisons, but from Christ working through him. This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding his approach to spiritual warfare and self-assessment within the Christian life.
2 Corinthians 10 12 Commentary
Paul here sternly rebukes the Corinthians for engaging in or accepting self-made comparisons. He contrasts his own approach, which relies on God's assessment and service, with the practice of self-commendation based on flawed, man-made standards. It’s a declaration that true value isn't found by measuring oneself against others or even against one's own prideful achievements, but by discerning and fulfilling God's will. This verse calls for an inward focus on integrity and divine approval, rather than outward validation from comparative efforts. It advocates for humility and recognizing that only God possesses the true, unerring measure of worth and approval.